Carers of West Lothian

16/09/2026

📢 Have you seen our new PA Hub?

Whether you're an experienced Personal Assistant (PA), looking for PA work, or simply want to find out more about the role, our PA Hub is here to help.

Through the PA Hub you can:

✅ Advertise your availability to potential employers
✅ Learn more about what being a PA involves
✅ Access information, resources and support
✅ Find information about PVG checks and support available with this

Being a PA is a rewarding role that supports people to live independently and achieve the things that matter most to them.

Visit our PA Hub today: https://cowl.org.uk/for-carers/pa-hub

16/09/2026

A new report by Carers UK suggests that 1,500 people are leaving the workforce EVERY DAY to provide unpaid care.

The research says that one in five employees are facing career and financial sacrifices and there are new recommendations to strengthen employment rights for unpaid carers, including introducing a statutory entitlement to 10 days’ annual paid carer’s leave for employees.

What is your experience of juggle work and unpaid care?

Our new research shows more than 1,500 people every day are leaving paid work to provide unpaid care, more than double the rate seen in 2019.
Many carers who want to remain in paid work are facing difficult decisions about their careers, their financial security and their futures, due to the pressures of balancing paid work and unpaid care.
With 6.7 million employees having caring responsibilities, stronger workplace support for unpaid carers has never been more important.
Urgent action is needed from government including the introduction of a statutory right to paid Carer’s Leave.
Read our new report, Balancing work and unpaid care: https://carersuk.pulse.ly/l7wxqsvyff
Thank you to Standard Life for supporting this research.

16/09/2026

Are you at West Lothian College today?

Come and say hello to our team at the Freshers' Fayre.

We're looking forward to meeting students and sharing information about our services and support.

16/09/2026

It’s been another wonderful week for the people we support!

Our bereaved carers enjoyed a lovely Cuppa & Chat at Trail Bean Coffee , where the strawberry tarts were a definite highlight and went down a treat!

We also had the pleasure of taking a group of carers and the people they support to The Grapes Village Pub for a delicious meal. It was a fantastic opportunity to relax, enjoy good food, share stories, and simply be looked after for a change.

A huge thank you to Darren and the team at Trailbean Coffee, and Angela and her team at The Grapes Village Pub. Your generosity, kindness, warm welcome, and brilliant banter made these moments so special. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for helping create meaningful connections in our community.

15/09/2026

📢 New information about health screening, starting with cervical screening for disabled women

As part of Scottish Learning Disability Week 2026, we recently added new information about cervical screening to our website.

Our new resources explain:
✅ What cervical screening is
✅ Why it is important
✅ Who can have it
✅ What happens at an appointment
✅ Support and reasonable adjustments available
✅ Videos and easy-to-understand information

We want disabled women aged 25 to 64 to have access to the same health information and support as everyone else, helping them feel informed, confident and supported to make choices about their health and wellbeing.

Find out more: https://cowl.org.uk/health-screening

Together, we can help ensure disabled women are seen, heard and supported.

15/09/2026

📢 We want to hear from you!

Are you an unpaid carer or disabled person in West Lothian? Your experiences, views and feedback matter to us.

Every year, CoWL carries out a survey to better understand the needs of unpaid carers and disabled people and how we can continue to improve our support. By sharing your thoughts, you'll help shape future services and ensure you voices are heard.

✅ Takes just a few minutes
✅ Completely anonymous
✅ Helps improve support for carers and disabled people across West Lothian
✅ Opportunity to enter our free prize draw and win a voucher

Please complete your survey by 30 September 2026.

Your voice can make a difference.

🔗 Carers Survey – https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Pb0jTsdEvZ
🔗 Disability Service Survey – https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/JQVsiFbmrH

15/09/2026

Introducing our new Living Grief Hub 💛. It's a space for those navigating the complex feelings of loss when grieving someone that is still present.

We've created practical tools so you can choose to act on what is important and impactful for you at any point, whilst being able to revisit other information when you are ready.

It includes: valuable information about living grief, practical tools and strategies, and information about sources of support.

Take a look and see how it may support you: https://lg.cowl.org.uk/

14/09/2026

Functional Reflex Therapy (FRT) Training
Would you like to learn a practical relaxation technique that can support children and adults with anxiety, autism, learning disabilities, complex needs, or high stress levels?

FRT combines relaxation techniques drawn from reflexology with structured routines for the hands and feet. Using positive touch and relaxation approaches, FRT can help promote calm, improve mood, and support emotional and physical wellbeing.

Important: This course runs over two consecutive weeks, and participants must attend both sessions:
Wednesday 7 October 2026, 10:00am to 12:30pm
Wednesday 14 October 2026, 10:00am to 12:30pm

Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Livingston

Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/functional-reflex-therapy-frt-runs-over-2-sessions-7th-14th-october-tickets-2000898820234

14/09/2026

Is there enough high-quality, sustainable provision to meet the needs of the West Lothian population?

To develop a Market Facilitation Plan, West Lothian IJB want to hear your experiences and priorities to help shape future options.

Survey: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/2xQGm8suuw

14/09/2026

Did you know that free Admiral Nurse clinics are available here in West Lothian?

Delivered in partnership by Dementia UK, Nationwide and Virgin Money, these face-to-face clinics offer specialist support for anyone affected by dementia. You do not need to be a Nationwide or Virgin Money customer to access the service.

Appointments take place at Virgin Money, Cairngorm House, Almondvale Boulevard, Livingston, and provide practical and emotional support on topics including memory concerns, understanding a diagnosis, future planning, and financial or legal matters.

Book an appointment: https://dementiauk.simplybook.cc/v2/ /location/300/service/21/count/1/provider/324/date/2026-10-14/

Can't book online? Text APPOINTMENT to 07478 724000 and a member of the team will help arrange your booking.